Plan for new bicycle bridge over the Vliet at the site of the Nieuwe Tolbrug

A new bicycle bridge may be built between Voorburg and The Hague. The plan is to relocate the Nieuwe Tolbrug to Vreugd en Rust park in Voorburg.

A new bridge is a significant improvement in the final stretch of the important regional cycling route between Pijnacker and the center of The Hague. When the Nieuwe Tolbrug is relocated to Vreugd en Rust park in Voorburg, it can remain in use for pedestrians.

Steep drawbridge

In recent years, much has been invested in the cycling route, including the Jan Linzelviaduct over the A4 and a bike path through the Vliet zone. The current Nieuwe Tolbrug (also called Kippenbrug) connects to this. It is a narrow, steep drawbridge for pedestrians and cyclists. This national monument from 1891 was not designed for bicycle traffic and is only safe to cross with the bike in hand. Efforts have been ongoing for some time to find a solution for this bike-unfriendly situation.

Traffic safety

Various interests are taken into account in this search. Participation showed that residents favor better cycling connections and more traffic safety, while preserving the historic Nieuwe Tolbrug and the adjacent Hoekenburg park.

The Province of South Holland is closely involved as the owner of the bridge and manager of the waterways. The Rotterdam The Hague region and the municipalities of Leidschendam-Voorburg and The Hague are also involved. Because the bridge is a national monument, the Cultural Heritage Agency advises on necessary adjustments to the bridge. Additionally, involved parties must consider the monumental value of Hoekenburg park located next to the bridge in Voorburg.

Pedestrians

By relocating the bridge to the Vliet near Vreugd en Rust Park, the bridge can remain in use for pedestrians and form a new recreational connection from the Loozone to the Vliet zone and The Hague.

Best solution

“All in all, this is the best solution according to us,” says Deputy Jeroen van Dijken (traffic and transport). “For cyclists and waterway users, a new bridge is an improvement. And the national monument Nieuwe Tolbrug can shine beautifully in a park nearby.”

Decision-making and participation

The designs for the new bicycle bridge and the integration of the historic bridge at Vreugd en Rust Park are being further developed. Residents and stakeholders may participate in this process.

A final decision to implement the design will follow after the municipal councils of Leidschendam-Voorburg, The Hague, and the Provincial Council of South Holland have approved the plans.